It was January 2012 and the Ravens were one touchdown drive away from going to their second Super Bowl in franchise history. The town was electric and everyone was in a great mood. We all know what happened at the end of that game… the mood of the city was somber and subdued despite the mild winter weather. Normally the winter in Baltimore is just a precurser to a hot summer and the anticipation towards the next season of Ravens football, however the Orioles are changing that for the better.
Summer in Baltimore is a great time. The weather is hot and there’s always festivals and plenty of fun things to do around town. Normally June, July and August are reserved for local sports fans to focus on Ravens OTAs , Mini Camp and Training Camp, but this summer will likely have a much different feel. For the first time in a decade and a half fans will keep their purple in the closet, donning the orange and black in support of their contending baseball team.
There are many positives for Baltimore when the Orioles are good but the main benefit is that it brings locals and city residents out and it provides a huge boost for local businesses. Almost every night now (other than the occasional Orioles off day) Baltimoreans have a reason to go out and they have a reason to get together and have something positive to look forward to. When the businesses and nightlife are booming and the people are out in droves, there truly is no better place to live.
Most people who are not from Baltimore view the city in a certain, not positive light (…maybe shows like Homicide and The Wire had a hand in that). I will admit the city definitely has its flaws, but the good parts are what make this place “Charm City.” During the football season there is not a louder and more passionate fan base than the fans of Baltimore and the Ravens represent the city in a tremendously positive light. Thanks to the 2012 Baltimore Orioles, that atmosphere has continued into the early summer and could continue all the way until the Fall.
It might be wishful thinking, but I hope that one October day this year in Baltimore there will be a Ravens game in the afternoon and an Orioles playoff game that night.
That truly would be some pleasant living!
